The Best San Juan Capistrano Restaurants

19 Best Restaurants & Places in San Juan Capistrano | 2024 (Top Eats!)

ByKashish Jamal Hashmi

San Juan Capistrano is a charming city in Southern California.

The city showcases its pride in being the birthplace of orange county.

It has a pouring history with several exciting missions and landmarks.

The place has some of the best historical figurines in town, along with various attractions.

It’s not just its historical essence that makes it famous, but also its standout culinary offerings.

So name any outstanding place, be it family-friendly or an excellent place to catch up, San Juan Capistrano has lots of them.

The food scene here is extremely vibrant, with lots of food choices coming in tons of flavors.

Through the many places to eat here, one finds the small town to be quite big.

Planning for a good dinner tonight? Then let’s check out some of the best San Juan Capistrano restaurants.

The Best San Juan Capistrano Restaurants This Year

1. Cedar Creek Inn

Cedar Creek Inn

Why it’s a must visit?

The Cedar Creek Inn restaurant is situated in the heart of San Juan Capistrano.

It provides people with panoramic views of the historic mission ruins.

The restaurant is a fascinating place and is also considered to be one of the top-rated restaurants in San Juan.

The picturesque patio, with beautiful views of the flowing fountain and gorgeous outdoor fireplace, makes everything incredibly captivating.

But it is mainly known for its classic food choices with American favorites like creative cocktails that are also available for dinner and lunch.

It’s also a spectacular Sunday brunch option to go for.

Chef’s Choice

Seafood lovers go absolutely crazy over this restaurant’s seafood salad.

The seafood salad comes with tasty items like crabs, marinated cucumber, chopped egg, shrimp, scallops, lettuce, tomato, and artichoke hearts that sit on the romaine lettuce.

It has more than 1000 island sauces that feel incredibly bountiful.

One also can choose between the variety of sandwiches available here, which are all delicious in flavor.

The Ruben is also pretty good as it comes with a thin sliced corned beef on rye with Russian dressing, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese.

This dish is served alongside onion rings and tasty coleslaw, which is mouthwatering.

Don’t forget to try their curried chicken croissant and Monte Cristo here.

Location and Contact

  • 26860 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675-3236
  • Phone:- +1 949-240-2229
  • Email:- sanjuan@cedarcreekinn.com

2. L’Hirondelle Restaurant

L'Hirondelle Restaurant

Why it’s a must visit?

The L’Hirondelle Restaurant restaurant has an alluring and romantic ambiance, perfect for dates.

The patio of this restaurant is exceptionally breathtaking.

It serves people fancy Belgian plus French food in the most magnificent way.

The restaurant is also known for its stellar service and unparalleled food choices.

It’s basically one of the best restaurants near me to go far.

The fancy and beautiful atmosphere of the restaurant has made it a significant hit among couples.

Chef’s Choice

The quality of the food here, along with the cheap prices, makes everything beyond expectations.

You will love their petite plates if you don’t like heavy meals.

These dishes are small platters, which come on the farm as full dinner entrée options.

A sampling of their exquisite California pinot noir makes for a perfect drink.

It goes exceptionally well with their mushroom mason caps that come slathered in garlic butter.

Their petite fillet is a quintessential dish that comes with artichoke hearts, roasted potatoes, and a seasoning of béarnaise sauce.

If you like duck meat, you should go for duck breast with cherry sauce.

Without a doubt, one is bound to have a fine dining experience at this restaurant.

Location and Contact

3. The Romas House Cafe

The Romas House Cafe

Why it’s a must visit?

The Romas House café is a charming eatery in downtown San Juan Capistrano.

It is one of the city’s oldest restaurants, established in 1794 inside the Los Rios historical district.

It has a spectacular weekday menu with exceptional breakfast La carte choices.

It’s, ultimately, one of the top-rated restaurants in San Juan for its incredible weekend two-course brunch options.

Even though the menu isn’t very large, it is thoroughly prepared with beautiful presentations.

The delightful air of the restaurant, along with the exciting food combinations, makes it hard to leave this place.

Anyone who is a history fanatic wondering where to eat delicious food with historical significance will love this place.

Chef’s Choice

The restaurant has a delightful menu with creative combos.

Simple dishes like duck confit and roasted pumpkin mac & cheese make perfect choices.

Its orange gremolata is also another simple dish that is pretty good.

Their crab hash that comes with smoked bacon, scrambled eggs, sweet potato crispies, and vinegar tomatoes makes for outstanding breakfast options.

Location and Contact

4. Ellie’s Table

Ellie's Table

Why it’s a must visit?

The Ellie’s table restaurant was started in 1883 in Egan’s house.

This restaurant is a perfect example of a revival plus Renaissance building in San Juan and is named after a top culinary genius.

Any food enthusiast will absolutely adore this place, as it’s worth visiting.

Chef’s Choice

The restaurant has a very eye-catching interior with quaint details.

It also has a beautiful bakery serving the tastiest cinnamon rolls, blueberry scones, coffee cakes, croissants, and fresh fruit danish desserts. 

Their signature Kouiga Amann has an irresistible flavor with multi-pasta layers and fillings of sugar and butter.

These dishes are prepared with love, and breakfast favorites like soups, burritos, sandwiches, and salads.

Sample them with their tasty cakes, Crostatas, and cookies for a flavorsome effect.

Location and Contact

5. Trevor’s at the Tracks

Trevor's at the Tracks

Why it’s a must visit?

The Trevor’s at the tracks restaurant is ideally situated next to a train depot, and that started in 1894.

It serves people global cuisine choices and is a famous trackside eatery.

The restaurant promotes sustainable farming by using organic ingredients by working with local farmers.

This restaurant was first opened in the year 2017 with a passionate goal.

Trevor is the owner of the company and has fulfilled his lifelong dream.

The restaurant has soothing live music playing in the background and a cozy outdoor patio to gaze at beautiful fountains.

It also remains open seven days a week, perfect for those who want to dine in regularly here.

Chef’s Choice

It’s one of the best family restaurants in San Juan because of its exciting dinner and lunch choices.

The starter options include dishes like salads, soups, grilled flatbreads, sandwiches, and a lot more.

Other than that, in the salad section, their fall into spinach salad is an exceptional choice.

The fall-into spinach salad comes with champagne-poached beers, salad vinaigrette, and spicy and candied pistachios.

The dish also contains goat cheese crumbles, crispy shallots, and drunken cranberries.

The texture and the flavors of the dishes blend exceptionally well with each other.

Their fig and fungi flatbread comes in tantalizing flavors with items like mushrooms, go cheese, caramelized onions, and tamponade, along with a seasoning of balsamic glaze.

For experimental dining, you will go crazy over this restaurant.

Location and Contact

6. Heritage Barbecue

Heritage Barbecue

Why it’s a must visit?

The heritage barbecue restaurant makes slowly cooked roasted meats in aromatic forms.

It is located only some miles away from central Texas and is a famous barbecue joint.

It’s one of the most famous barbecue restaurants in the historic district.

Its popularity surges from its outstandingly prepared aromatic and smoked dishes that are also butchered in the house itself.

Chef’s Choice 

It’s mostly popular for its quality sausages and other barbecue options.

Their Jidori farmers raise animals with tender care, and that’s why the meat here is of such quality flavors.

Their prime beef brisket has a succulent and soft texture and is one of the best leaving Texas.

Their side dishes are also incredible, with varieties like brisket beans and potato Mac salad.

Save some room for their tasty heritage’s classic bread pudding which is perfect for two people.

The opening hours remain here from Wednesday to Sunday, and the food is served on a first-come, first-serve basis.

If you ever visit heritage, don’t forget to stop by this restaurant.

Location and Contact

7. The Tea House on Los Rios

The Tea House on Los Rios

Why it’s a must visit?

The tea house on Los Rios is where fashionable and lively crowds meet.

It’s the ultimate family destination to visit for enjoying enchanting tea choices in the historic district.

The relationship also has a beautiful motive of ‘building relationships one cup at a time.’

It’s one of the cool places to eat lunch and brunch or snacks in San Juan and make valuable connections.

The entire restaurant presents people with an alfresco dining experience by eating under the 150 sycamore tree.

It has a charming cottage-like atmosphere with delightful dishes.

Chef’s Choice

The tea service here is terrific as it introduces people to freshly baked goodies.

Their current scone it’s made with dressings, California cream, and raspberry preserves that feel amazing.

They also have an assorted number of finger sandwiches, loose-leaf tea, and fresh fruit choices.

Some traditional entrée options here include English Bastille, which is a homemade crust that comes filled with fruit, veggies, and prime rib.

In the same way, their Bombay chicken curry and Shepherd’s Pie are also fascinating choices.

Location and Contact

8. El Adobe de Capistrano

El Adobe de Capistrano

Why it’s a must visit?

The El Adobe de Capistrano restaurant is a fabulous eatery serving delicious Mexican cuisine.

It has a charming interior, with an impressive service oozing lots of significance.

Because of its historical surrounding, the interior feels highly antique.

The service here is also rapid and attentive, which catches the eye of the visitors.

Chef’s Choice

The restaurant serves people flavorful and filling choices that are not very spicy or salty.

The menu comes with a variety of succulent meat options ranging from fish tacos to chicken pork, steak tacos, and Carnitas tacos.

The drink here is also lovely, with varieties like manzanilla sherry, Horchata, and coffee.

In the appetizer section, their black bean soups have a 5-star rating for their soupy potatoes with a creamy texture.

Their blackened fish tacos have a very light taste and are not greasy at all.

In the same way, their chicken enchiladas Suizas are served with green tomato sauce and have a divine flavor to them.

Because of so many mouthwatering dishes, one craves to come here occasionally.

Location and Contact

9. Sundried Tomato Bistro

Sundried Tomato Bistro

Why it’s a must visit?

The Sundried tomato bistro has a lovely meaning behind its name, as it is initially inspired by sundried tomato marinade.

With one single bite of their dishes, one will quickly realize why it’s one of the great restaurants in San Juan.

It’s also an exceedingly decent place that is adored by the local people here.

The restaurant has a captivating interior with picturesque views from its patio.

It is also comfy because of the cozy fireplace, perfect for romantic dining during evenings.

Chef’s Choice

The restaurant serves an all-day menu with delicacies like bowls, soups, sandwiches, large platters, plates of pasta, salads, and burgers.

Anyone who is planning to visit here should definitely come on a Monday night, as the chef here introduces people to a two-course menu with fascinating appetizers and entrée food near me options.

Their Mary’s natural half chicken is a favorite of many as it comes perfectly marinated with rosemary beurre blanc with preserved lemons and garlic.

Location and Contact

10. Five Vines Wine Bar

Five Vines Wine Bar

Why it’s a must visit?

The Five Vines Wine Bar restaurant is one of the best restaurants in San Juan.

It is so exceptional that it was listed among the top 25 wine bars in the US by the famous magazine travel and leisure in 2018.

With professional generational winemakers globally, this restaurant has become an ultimate wine-tasting destination.

It presents people with 15 varieties of top craft beers along with tasty ciders.

It showcases people 65 boutique wine selections from all around the world, which is why it’s one of the must-eat places in the city.

If you want to explore the history and fine dining, this is the best restaurant in San Juan Capistrano.

Chef’s Choice

This restaurant is the ultimate destination for any fancy food lover.

The gourmet choices here include sausages, charcuterie boards, small bites, flatbreads, and salads.

These dishes sample exceptionally well with their beers and wines for tasting sessions.

Also, the chef keeps continuously creating three new seasonal dishes every two weeks with exquisite wine pairings.

People love their cheese and charcuterie board that comes with three kinds of cream cheese.

Those cheese range from their tasty campo de Montalban, Capricho de Cabra, and beemster.

In the meat section, one will absolutely love their smoked prosciutto, Toscano, and chorizo.

Try their house-pickled carrots and red onions with pepper jam, fresh strawberries, mustard, and fig marmalade.

Those dishes are served alongside crackers and warm baguettes.

There is no other place that can rival this restaurant’s ultimate wine selections.

Location and Contact

11. Ricardo’s Place

Ricardo's Place

Why it’s a must visit?

The Ricardo’s Place restaurant is a Hacienda-inspired and colorful diner serving classic Mexican platters.

The diner is also one of the best family restaurants, which also serves a separate kid’s menu.

It has a cozy atmosphere, with courteous staff members and reasonable prices.

The party trays here and exciting beer selections make everything exciting.

Chef’s Choice

Everything here is made freshly with the crispiest chips and tasty guacamole.

The shrimp cocktail also has a rejuvenating flavor that is authentic in every sense.

Not to mention how it comes in hefty portions, especially if one has handhelds like fresh tacos.

But our personal favorite here is their tasty surfer burrito which comes with a large flour tortilla with meat choices of both chicken and beef.

It also contains healthy items like salsa, tomato, cheese, lettuce, rice, and beans.

It also has an assorted number of many exciting options like soups, meat, salads, and an enchilada which are all equally delicious.

Location and Contact

12. Crivello’s Italian Bistro

Crivello's Italian Bistro

Why it’s a must visit?

The Crivello’s Italian Bistro restaurant might look a bit unpretentious from the outside, but it has an authentic and immersing Italian vibe to it.

The entrée selections here are all classic choices, which are made with detailed intricacy.

It’s hard not to fall in love with this restaurant, especially if one wants to taste authentic Italian cuisine.

Chef’s Choice

The restaurant serves the tastiest gnocchi pesto.

The pesto contains garlic, pine nuts, lots of creams, gnocchi Gorgonzola, and fresh basil.

Another spectacular Sicilian dish comes with roasted pepper, eggplant, and onion with a bit of marinara sauce to start your day.

In the pasta section, some of our favorites are their eggplant fettuccine, Alfredo pasta, spaghetti Bolognese, penne al pesto, and fruitti di mare.

The dish becomes a divine culinary creation with its bolognese dressing and meatballs.

Besides their tasty classic lasagna, one should also try their eggplant lasagna.

Location and Contact

13. Ciao Pasta Trattoria

Ciao Pasta Trattoria

Why it’s a must visit?

Wooden furnishings surround the Ciao Pasta Trattoria restaurant.

The restaurant is adorned with high wooden beams in the ceilings.

It also has a sprawling patio serving people in southern Italian Classics.

The food here is sensational and is a quintessential example of a refined bistro.

The entire space is decorated with ambient lighting with an outdoor patio setting.

It’s a blessing to dine here as the restaurant’s charming atmosphere enamors everyone.

To you have an unforgettable date with your partner, this place should be on the top of your list.

Chef’s Choice

The restaurant excels incredibly well when it comes to its southern Italian classic choices.

Their ciao pasta is a treat to the tastebuds as it feels hearty, fresh, and delightful taste.

Their pasta tastes like it’s handmade as it has such a fine quality.

It would be better to start with their focaccia with minced olives and olive oil.

You won’t be disappointed with their quality pasta dishes like baking sheets with ham, short ribs with orecchiette, ravioli, and vodka sauce. 

It’s an ultimatum dish that comes lightly battered with crisp calamari.

Location and Contact

14. Himalayan Taste

Himalayan Taste

Why it’s a must visit?

The Himalayan restaurant is an ideal destination for those who love experimenting with Indian cuisine.

It also has a convenient location in the Plaza Del Rio shopping complex.

It’s the ultimate Asian restaurant that introduces people to spectacular Indian food choices.

This restaurant is one of the best places to eat authentic Asian cuisine and is very accommodating toward vegetarians as well.

Chef’s Choice

The restaurant serves people freshly cooked dishes in hefty portions.

But people with low spice tolerance shouldn’t go to this restaurant, as the food here is extremely spicy.

Another fantastic thing about this restaurant is that it has tons of vegetarian options, like their Nawaratan korma.

Location and Contact

15. Mollie’s Famous Cafe

Mollie's Famous Cafe

Why it’s a must visit?

The Mollie’s Famous Cafe is situated inside the plaza Del Rio shopping center.

It’s a family-owned restaurant that has become trendy for serving tasty American breakfast delicacies.

They have a separate dinner and lunch menu, which is good news.

The overall atmosphere of the restaurant is casual and very welcoming.

The various historical photos hanging on the walls have also made it quite a sight to behold.

Because of its reasonably priced items, this food joint always remains crowded.

Chef’s Choice

The restaurant serves the tastiest American breakfast and lunch choices.

Some of the most popular items on their menu are the Montecristo sandwich, biscuits, and gravy.

Don’t miss out on their tasty lobster eggs Benedict which has both meaty and seafood flavors.

Location and Contact

16. The Olives Branch

The Olives Branch

Why it’s a must visit?

The olives branch restaurant is an authentic Lebanese restaurant in San Juan Capistrano.

It’s a relaxed and blessed diner situated in the famous Marbella Plaza.

It is also highly accommodating towards many diets, like having gluten-free and vegan options.

It also has a separate smoke area on its side patio and a hookah lounge.

Therefore, it’s a pretty exciting and fun place to visit with your friends.

Chef’s Choice

The restaurant specializes in exquisite Mediterranean choices with Lebanese recipes.

Their moussaka and mansaf are some exceptional dishes.

A lot of people seem to enjoy their delicate hummus, which comes as a topping on chicken Shawarma.

The strict diet options have also given it a reputed image.

Location and Contact

17. Tannins Restaurant & Wine Bar

Tannins Restaurant & Wine Bar

Why it’s a must visit?

This Tannins Restaurant and Wine Bar bistro is unlike any other diner in San Juan Capistrano, CA.

The reason why this restaurant is so different is that its wine bar offerings remain its focalization.

The gentle food samplings here and an elegant menu always satiate every appetite of its customers.

Chef’s Choice

Even though a lot of restaurants offer tasty pasta and pizza, this restaurant offers the most delectable wine bar offerings.

It serves spectacular staple Italian dishes like bruschetta, eggplant Parmesan and tasty veal piccata.

Its classy and modern design, with a lovely patio and indoor setting, further brings out its overall breathtaking beauty.

Location and Contact

18. Thai Juan On

Thai Juan On

Why it’s a must visit?

The Thai Juan On restaurant is an incredible place to indulge in tasty exotic Thai cuisine.

This restaurant introduces people to the vast culinary scene of Thailand through its exquisite Pan-Asian choices.

It’s a perfect place to try attractive Asian cuisine options of high quality.

Chef’s Choice

According to a lot of previous reviewers, their golden thread egg noodles remain their most delicate dish.

In the same way, their crying tiger beef steak is highly praised for its succulent meat with juicy flavors.

Sipping their cocktails while enjoying the DJ music and handcrafted drinks makes everything feel exciting and enjoyable.

Location and Contact

19. Ysidora Restaurant and Lounge

Ysidora Restaurant and Lounge

Why it’s a must visit?

The Ysidora Restaurant and Lounge is a magnetic diner serving splendid meals.

It’s every foodie’s dream spot, as the restaurant turns superficial dishes into epicure varieties.

Ultimately, one gets to relish tender steaks, fluffy omelets, and other classy varieties here during weekends.

Also, the mouthwatering dinner options leave one spellbound by how tasty they are.

Enjoy their definitive culinary meal by enveloping yourself with beautiful rounded arches and stunning columns.

The restaurant is festooned with lovely chandeliers, divulging radiant light.

 Anyone should look forward to a fine dining adventure here with visceral elements.

Chef’s Choice

Their egg foo young is another exalted combo one should go for.

It comes with fluffy eggs on a platter with marvelous seafood imbued with meaty flavors.

One gets to taste those flavors through their chicken sausage and tasty rock shrimp.

Put in an extra layer of their shiitake mushrooms, green onions, and bean sprouts for a healthier and poised brunch feast.

Location and Contact

Final Thoughts

San Juan Capistrano has a vast culinary scene that goes beyond expectations.

It’s a perfect place to encounter an altogether fine dining experience through various remarkable places to eat.

Even though it’s a small city, the cuisine here takes into consideration global flavors, various food types, and specific atmospheres.

The timing here is also very flexible and perfect for usual residents.

People don’t run away from the city, as everything can be found here, along with peace.

The interesting cuisine choices are another reason why the place always remains such an exciting and intriguing location.

In that sense, we hope this article helped you narrow your food destinations to give a visit.

Bon appétit!

Faqs

What are some of the most famous restaurants in San Juan Capistrano?

Some of the famous restaurants in San Juan are El Adobe de Capistrano, Romas House Cafe, and Cedar Creek Inn.

Which restaurants are the best when it comes to takeout services in San Juan Capistrano?

Some excellent restaurants which also offer takeout services in San Juan Capistrano are El Adobe de Capistrano, Cedar Creek Inn, and Sundried Tomato.

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